2011. BEST FOR GUESTS. 1 sean (fortuna pop!)

Fortuna POP! is an independent label from London, founded in 1996 by Sean. Since then, it has released works from great indie pop and indie rock artists and bands. Their catalog includes artists like The Aislers Set, The Lucksmiths, Comet Gain, The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart, Fanfarlo, Tender Trap, Allo Darlin', Crystal Stilts...

SEAN'S PICKS:

1. PETE ASTOR SONGBOX

Somehow it seemed like Pete Astor was everywhere this year, but perhaps it was easier to hear him in the reformed Loft, spot him in the Creation Records hagiography in his bequiffed and debonair heyday or catch his avuncular presence in Paul Kelly's Lawrence documentary than it was to hear this record, released in a beautifully package limited edition on the boutique Second Language label. Which was a shame because after meandering down several paths with the Wisdom of Harry and Ellis Island Sound this was Pete Astor returning to what he does best, the fine art of crafting songs, wry lyrics wrapped in exquisite arrangements courtesy of the likes of Kieron Phelan (he who plays the flute on Allo Darlin's The Polaroid Song) and David Sheppard (of Darren Hayman's latest incarnation of his Secondary Modern backing band). A fabulous record on which Astor marks out a future for himself as a romantic songsmith in the vein of Leonard Cohen, albeit one with the odd Bowie vocal mannerism thrown in. If that doesn't entice you the bonus disc contains covers of all the songs by the likes of Let’s Wrestle, The Raincoats, Darren Hayman, Comet Gain and The Proper Ornaments.

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2. BILL WELLS & AIDAN MOFFAT EVERYTHING'S GETTING OLDER

For such an experienced chronicler of life's many woes it should come as no surprise to discover that Aidan Moffat finds such rich source material in the mid-life crisis, but what does surprise is how well the juxtaposition with Well's percussive jazz works, as Moffat wends his way tenderly through the same rich cast of lovers and losers that have always populated his songs, now unable to last the four day weekend, weighed down with the baggage of failure and disillusionment, but still finding solace in alcohol, lust and love.

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3. LANA DEL REY VIDEO GAMES
You know what, I don't care. Song of the year. Unsettling, doomed and romantic.

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4. DIRTY BEACHES BADLANDS

Where Suicide meets Blue Velvet. Unsettling, doomed and romantic. Someone should set him up with Lana Del Rey.

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5. MOUSTACHE OF INSANITY ALBUM OF DEATH

Those crazy guys Nik and Bill and their stoopid, dumb casiopop. Only it's not that stoopid and dumb, it's actually pretty smart, funny and heartfelt. It also manages to be on the two nicest new labels in the UK at the same time, Fika Recordings and Pull Yourself Together, which should be recommendation enough.
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